2.15.2011

MUSIC VIDEO: The Low Anthem "Ghost Woman Blues"

Check out the new video by The Low Anthem for the song "Ghost Woman Blues" from their new album "Smart Flesh" out 2/22/11 on Nonesuch Records.

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:
  • Bright Eyes - The People's Key
  • Churchill - Happy/Sad
  • Josh Ritter - To The Yet Unknowing World

2.14.2011

CD REVIEW: Churchill "Happy/Sad"

Happy_Sad
Indie rock music can be boring, stale, and unrefreshing. Fortunately, indie rockers Churchill have not fallen into that trap. They blend the essence of indie rock music with their own take on folk and pop, making for a collection of music that is as interesting as it is entertaining. The highlight of the album is the first single "Miles," a unique take on a new relationship that belongs in heavy rotation on radio all over the country. The dual male/female vocal combination is a rarity, and is one of the features of the band that makes them special, and it shines on the track "Burn It Down." Coming from the budding Colorado music scene, Churchill's music is a thing of beauty and fans, critics, and industry reps should take notice of a talent that needs to not go unrecognized.

CD REVIEW: Bobby Long "A Winter Tale"

A Winter Tale
The blues are alive and well in the young musicians releasing music these days, but they have never been as beautifully sung as when Bobby Long approaches them. His British roots, coupled with his incredible lyrics and guitar chops make his ATO Records debut album one of the best of the year. He matches the subtlety of the instrumentation with the magic of his heartfelt and emotional lyrics, proving that his experience is well beyond his years. "Who Have You Been Loving" is a masterpiece and songs like "A Passing Tale" and "Penance Fire Blues" show off his rough voice, musical passion, and poignant lyrics. Long is an artist following his own path, not attempting to copy anyone or mimic musical trends, making this album something refreshing and great.

CD REVIEW: North Mississippi Allstars "Keys To The Kingdom"

Keys To The Kingdom
Blues and southern rockers North Mississippi Allstars have returned with their best studio recording since "51 Phantom." "Keys To The Kindgom" is a fun ride through the bands repertoire of blues, southern, and jam rock music, showcasing all of their many musical talents along the way. They are sure to score a radio hit with the first single "This A'Way" which is their most accessible track to date. One of the highlights of the album is a cover of the Bob Dylan classic "Stuck In Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again" which pays tribute to the legend by updating his classic with a NMAS twist. You can close your eyes and imagine that Dylan is joining right in with the band. Other standout tracks are the beautifully lyrical "Ain't No Grave" and the jam rocker "The Meeting," featuring guest vocals by Mavis Staples. NMAS have always been a great band, but for the first time in a long while they have combined their superior live performance with stunning studio production for an incredible album.

CD REVIEW: Luke Reynolds "Maps"

Maps
Guster's newest member had a life before Guster you know. In fact, he's had quite a career, both as part of his first band Blue Merle and as a solo artist (alternately known as Pictures And Sound). His latest, written, recorded, and released before joining Guster for their latest tour, is an excellent continuation of his poetic catalogue of music. His unique voice combined with his incredible lyricism make for an incredible new album. His tongue-in-cheek lyrics shine the brightest on "Better Off" in which he asks the listener if all the conveniences and comforts in life actually make our lives better and more fulfilled. Tift Merrit and Guster's Ryan Miller make quest appearances on the disc, and with the exposure he will get from the Guster fans, Reynolds' populartiy is surely going to skyrocket as soon as they all get their hands on this disc.

2.13.2011

2010 THISisMODERN.net Grammy Roundup

Congratulations to THISisMODERN.net supported artists who won Grammy Awards for 2010. And the winners are:
  • Album Of The Year: Arcade Fire "The Suburbs"
  • Best Pop Performance By A Duo/Group With Vocals: Train "Hey, Soul Sister (Live)"
  • Best Rock Performance By A Duo/Group With Vocals: The Black Keys "Tighten Up"
  • Best Alternative Music Album: The Black Keys "Brothers"
  • Best Rock Or Rap Gospel Album: Switchfoot "Hello Hurricane"
  • Best Contemporary Folk Album: Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs "God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise"
  • Best Recording Package: The Black Keys "Brothers"
  • Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package: The White Stripes "Under Great White Northern Lights (Limited Edition Boxed Set)"
  • Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: John Mayer "Battle Studies"
  • Producer Of The Year: Danger Mouse (The Black Keys "Brothers"; Broken Bells "Broken Bells")
In addition to congratulating the award winners, congrats to some of the greatest performances of the night: Mumford & Sons performed their hit "The Cave," The Avett Brothers performed their hit "Head Full Of Doubt/Road Full Of Promise," and both bands backed up legend Bob Dylan on an ensemble performance of Dylan's own "Maggie's Farm." Arcade Fire performed their songs "Month Of May" and "Ready To Start" before and after accepting the night's biggest award, Album Of The Year, respectively.

2.08.2011

New Release Tuesday

New music out today worth checking out:
  • Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors - Chasing Someday
  • Iration - Fresh Grounds
  • Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell Me

NEW TUNES: Green River Ordinance

Check out a free download of the song "Dancing Shoes" by Green River Ordinance, off of their self released EP "The Morning Passengers," by clicking here. The full EP is available for sale now!

2.07.2011

CD REVIEW: Haroula Rose "These Open Roads"

These Open Roads
Haroula Rose's new album is going to make her a household name. After releasing a short EP of heartfelt acoustic driven tunes, her latest album is a welcome step in the right direction. Full of lyrically driven songs, Rose showcases both her incredible songwriting and her beautiful voice throughout the entire album. Two songs from her debut EP ("Love Will Follow" and "The Leaving Song") get a reworking , elevating their already great qualities to an even higher level. Lyrically, "Love Will Follow" is one of the best on the entire album, as well as "Simple Time" and "Free To Be Me." The song that is sure to make people take notice and catapult Rose to success is the lead track "Brand New Start" which will surely make waves at AAA radio soon enough. The biggest surprise on the album is her cover of the obscure Mason Jennings song "Duluth," taking an already classic Jennings fan favorite and translating for a whole new fanbase. Despite her incredible lyrics, the performance of "Duluth" is quite possible the best of the entire disc. Haroula Rose is magical and special, and now that she has a few releases under her belt, the world can finally understand just how great her music is.